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Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Unlike other large hotels where the spa feels like an escape from the energy of the resort, Thistle Spa is simply an extension of the wonderful Wildflower Farms. Located on a sprawling 140 acres in Gardiner, New York—about 80 miles north of New York City—Wildflower Farms balances its rustic setting with refinement. Whether it’s the freshly made bone broth offered to sip while guests relax by the saltwater pool, or the incorporation of locally harvested oils into their treatments, the Thistle Spa at Wildflower Farms has nature at the forefront.
What’s the vibe?
Minimalist yet serene. The space is constructed from mostly simple and natural textures (think wooden beams, stone floors, and cast iron beams). Floor-to-ceiling windows line the pool area, providing guests with a panoramic view of the landscape while they nibble on homemade granola clusters. The treatment areas and changing rooms are congruous with the rest of the space: simple and natural but luxurious. Located down a garden path, a fitness and movement studio offers classes throughout the week. This space is also lined with floor-to-ceiling windows—they know the assets they are working with here.
The history?
Wildflower Farms opened in October 2022, marking it the first New York location for the Auberge Resorts Collection. The Auberge chain has made a name for itself boasting luxury properties across the globe, so it is no surprise that Wildflower Farms has become a mainstay among New Yorkers looking for a weekend escape.
What should you try?
In case you haven’t absorbed it by now, this is a place to commune with nature (nary a Botox needle in sight). So you might want to try the 90-minute Body Botany treatment, “inspired by the natural rhythms of the farm,” which uses a proprietary Thistle blend of essential oils. Although the spa also uses numerous high-end brands (like Biologique Recherche), the majority of the products are organic; it’s more about soothing than intense efficacy. You aren’t going to leave any of the treatments feeling like you have been overly poked, prodded or peeled. You’ll leave feeling peaceful, glowing, and probably smelling like lavender or rosemary.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Before becoming Wildflower Farms, the site was a tree farm, and the resort has tried to keep that spirit alive. In addition to using solar panel energy and little to no plastic, many of the products (used in the spa treatments and also available for purchase) are sourced from local vendors—for example, from Cultivate Apothecary, a local farm about 20 minutes away. “I love the connection to our local community and how we utilize nature and incorporate it in our products and the things that we are selling,” says Jasmine Warren of the Thistle Spa.
What else do we need to know?
Wildflower Farms offers much more than just the spa: spectacular food at their on-site restaurant, Clay, a blazing fire on the great porch, and landscapes that look like they could have been painted by the Hudson River School. But what truly stands out at Wildflower Farms are the lovely people who work there. In addition to being helpful and kind, all of the staff are proud of both the resort and the surrounding neighborhood—a true testament to the wonderful experience they have cultivated.
Who can go?
Anyone is welcome to visit the spa and fitness centre during the week; however, only hotel guests can use the facilities on the weekends.
Booking details for Wildflower Farms
Address: 2702 Main St, Gardiner, NY 12525, United States
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
